Interview: Fashion & Lingerie Stylist Abigail Ayoola

by Estelle Puleston
written by Estelle Puleston

Here at Esty Lingerie we’ve worked with fashion stylist Abigail Ayoola on a number of shoots – she’s styled everything from one-off creations by our founder Estelle, to gorgeous pieces by our independent designers that you can buy right here at Esty Lingerie! We caught up with Abigail to find out more about her passion for styling, and what the future holds for this rising star…

What is your background in fashion styling?
I started styling in 2007 after a few years of modelling. I used to challenge they way I was dressed on shoots and decided I could do better. Also, I realised I was much more comfortable behind the cameras than in front of them.
Bridal night dress - a one off design by Esty Lingerie for See7 Magazine. Model: Samantha Louise Hicks, Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

Bridal night dress – a one off design by Esty Lingerie for See7 Magazine. Model: Samantha Louise Hicks, Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

What was it about styling specifically that appealed to you?
Being able to tell a story through clothes and accessories is an amazing job. You can say so much about a time, style and era without using words and it’s a passion for styling that allows you to do that effectively.
What have been the highlights of your styling career so far?
Working for myself and being able to hire staff, being head stylist at fashion week, being published in numerous publications, being nominated for an award and meeting the most fabulous designers and industry people.
The Original Black Magic Corset - a one off design by Esty Lingerie. Model: Abby Munro, Makeup: Flora Losilo, Styist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Abi Oshodi

The Original Black Magic Corset – a one off design by Esty Lingerie. Model: Abby Munro, Makeup: Flora Losilo, Styist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Abi Oshodi

Is there anything about being a fashion stylist you don’t like?
Although I do love the travelling that the job allows me to do, I hate having to carry heavy loads all the time. You’re constantly picking and dropping off tonnes of clothing and accessories and it can be tiring, not to mention painful!
Describe the process you follow to put together a look for a shoot…
Firstly, I always prefer to get a style direction brief from the client in a face-to-face meeting and then most of the time I’ll create a mood board to sum up the direction of the project. Once the direction is decided, I’ll pull several look options as you must always have choices.
Deluxe bondage - a harness teddy by our designer Shahnaz Bodywear. Model: Chelsea Tarbox, Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

Deluxe bondage – a harness teddy by our designer Shahnaz Bodywear. Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

What are your favourite types of shoots to style e.g. editorial, catalogue… and why?
I love high fashion editorial shoots the most as they allow you to really experiment with fashion and style. Nothing is ever really wrong when it comes to high fashion, just ask Lady Gaga!
What career do you think you’d have chosen if styling wasn’t an option?
That’s a tough one because I’ve always said that I don’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t a stylist but now that I’m also a blogger, I’d probably just do that full time. I hope that counts…
Corset with demi skirt - a one off design by Esty Lingerie for See7 Magazine. Model: Chelsea Tarbox, Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

Corset with demi skirt – a one off design by Esty Lingerie for See7 Magazine. Stylist: Abigail Ayoola, Photographer: Palle Hansen

Is there anyone in particular you’d just love to work with?
I’d love to work with actress Kerry Washington because I think she’s beautiful and a great actress. I’d also love to shoot with photographer Tim Walker because he has the craziest ideas and believes in fashion fairytales.
Where do you envision yourself being 10 years down the line?
Hopefully still styling and blogging but on a larger scale… goodness knows I can already feel the extended sleepness nights coming on.
Thank you Abigail!
Check our more of Abigail’s styling portfolio on her website.
Estelle
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1 comment

Ambassador Asuquo December 12, 2011 - 11:36 am

Hello Abigail, I cant stop admiring your work. I think you are a great styler. All the best and never stop dreaming. Regards, Ambassador Asuquo

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